The erector spinae plane block vs. usual care for treatment of mechanical back pain in the emergency department: a pilot study.

Background: The ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB), traditionally utilized for thoracic regional pain control, has been reported as an effective analgesic option for mechanical back pain, renal colic, and rib fractures in the emergency department (ED). This pilot study aims to compare the effectiveness of the ESPB to usual analgesic treatment for patients presenting to the ED with mechanical back pain.

Methods: A prospective, single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at a Canadian community hospital from March 2020 to December 2022.